Stylish clothes for petite women with hourglass figures?

January 17, 2021 7:26 PM

I'm clothes-shopping for a woman with not-always-covered-by-stores dimensions (5'1", 32F/30G bust), and I'm at a loss as to how to go looking for things. She typically shops vintage (and loves more classic aesthetics), but I'd love to find modern designers/outlets that have things that fit her and look good. My question is simple: how can I find nice and not insanely high-end clothing for her, whether it's via specific designers/stores or some kind of searching mechanism?
posted by rorgy to Shopping (10 answers total)

To my knowledge, the best case scenario for proper fit would be to purchase clothing that fits her bust, and have it tailored. Some types of fabric and cut can be tailored more easily than others! And of course, it’s best to tailor quality clothing, rather than anything “fast fashion” - so for the budget to go furthest, you would want to create something like a capsule wardrobe.

I do wish I could provide any further detail, some research will be needed - or perhaps someone will have much more specific advice! As someone with a slightly irregular feminine body shape, trying things on is very important, so if it’s possible: be very aware of return policies, and if budget allows, purchase different sizes in each item if you aren’t able to have them tried on before purchase! I imagine this would be difficult in most places on earth right now. If I may ask, which country are you located in?

I can also say for a fact that number based sizing is more accurate than S/M/L type sizing, measurement charts notwithstanding. Definitely have her properly measure her bust/waist/hips, and it would also be helpful for her to provide flat measurements of her most perfectly fitted, non-stretch dress, and the same for shirt & pants. Armpit seam to armpit seam will be the most crucial one in this case, I imagine!
posted by nukacherry at 9:37 PM on January 17, 2021 [1 favorite]

If she has vintage stuff that fits her well and that she likes the aesthetic of, put up an eBay alert (basically a saved search) for those brands+styles. I have found great stuff this way.
posted by wowenthusiast at 9:44 PM on January 17, 2021

I'm a short and curvy lady that likes vintage styles, and I've loved the stuff I've bought from Pinup Couture
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 10:29 PM on January 17, 2021 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: 5_13_23_42_69_666: I love that! It certainly seems like some of this could work. I'll peruse their catalogue, thanks!! Do you find their sizing chart's fairly accurate?

nukacherry: I'm located in the northeast US. As for the tailoring, that was the rule of thumb I was going to work with: start with a medium and tailor down.
posted by rorgy at 4:00 AM on January 18, 2021

I'm almost exactly the same body type as your friend (except I'm even shorter) - it's been years since I bought any of my clothes new. ThredUp is a pretty great place to shop. It allowed me to experiment with clothing, find my style, and keep myself en-wardrobed even through many size-changes at a reasonable cost. Highly recommend this!

Search for the specific styles she likes to wear for dresses - for example, I personally prefer necklines that highlight or even broaden my shoulders which balances my bustline - ask your friend what her little preferences are. It's very useful to know her preferred dress length (how many inches hits above the knee for her, how many inches would hit at calf-length) - for shirt and skirt lengths too. For trousers and jeans, ThredUp allows you to search by inseam length. You can also search the whole store for petites only, but I've had luck with "regular" sizes too so don't rule those out.
posted by MiraK at 5:29 AM on January 18, 2021 [1 favorite]

yea, I think their sizing is pretty good. With most other clothes, I have to buy a size that fits the bust and hips, and take it in at the waist, but the pinup couture clothes have enough bust room built in that the only alterations I've needed to make was at the hem, because I prefer shorter skirts. Their fabrics are really nice too.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 6:24 AM on January 18, 2021

I would keep an eye out for vintage and seondhand dresses from designers who work in that kind of aethetic - Betsey Johnson, Vivianne Westwood, Patricia Field and Nanette Lepore.
posted by minervous at 6:28 AM on January 18, 2021 [3 favorites]

You could try getting things made to her measurements at eshakti. They offer a ton of styles, mostly contemporary but you can often find vintage-inspired designs.
posted by prewar lemonade at 7:16 AM on January 18, 2021 [3 favorites]

Please be careful of outlet shopping. Many outlets (not all) are second-tier in quality to their regular stores’ offerings.
posted by BostonTerrier at 8:42 AM on January 18, 2021

Unique Vintage has all kinds of vintage-inspired styles. I love the fact that they post accurate size charts for each item and post all reviews, even the unfavorable ones.
posted by corey flood at 10:30 AM on January 18, 2021